This is just a quick breakdown and ranking, from worst to least, of all the NHL clubs, to serve as a prediction for what is to come this season.

 

#30: Carolina Hurricanes

 

Let's be honest here: Carolina has hardly done anything to shake up their roster. They bought out Alexander Semin, traded Anton Khudobin for James Wisniewski, and acquired Eddie Lack for draft picks. Apart from that, Carolina is still home to the Staal dynasty, and nothing more. I expect a repeat performance of the last several years.

 

F:

• N. Gerbe
• E. Lindholm
• B. Malone
• J. McClement
• R. Nash
• A. Nestrasil
• V. Rask
• J. Skinner
• E. Staal
• J. Staal
• C. Terry
  

D:

• J. Faulk
• R. Hainsey
• M. Jordan
• J. Liles
• R. Murphy
• J. Wisniewski
  

G:

• E. Lack
• C. Ward
  

#29: Arizona Coyotes

 

I'd consider Arizona to effectively be the Carolina Hurricanes of the west. They tried to match the Sabres in the tank war last year, but simply couldn't do it, yet they were still in the bottom 5. Their roster as it sits does not look very promising, although they do have a few gems in their system. They'll be in Vegas soon enough.

 

F:

• M. Boedker
• K. Chipchura
• S. Doan
• S. Downie
• B. Gordon
• M. Hanzal
• B. Richardson
• T. Rieder
• J. Vitale
  

D:

• K. Dahlbeck
• O. Ekman-Larsson
• B. Gormley
• N. Grossmann
• Z. Michalek
• C. Murphy
• M. Stone
  

G:

• L. Domingue
• A. Lindback
• M. Smith
  

#28: New Jersey Devils

 

The "oldest" team in the NHL, in terms of player age, New Jersey's got a new GM in Ray Shero, and a new coach in John Hynes. However, losing key pieces in Jagr and Zidlicky does not help their situation going forward. Unless Shero can pull off a miracle, they'll be towards the bottom.

 

F:

• M. Cammalleri
• R. Clowe
• P. Elias
• S. Gionta
• A. Henrique
• J. Josefson
• K. Palmieri
• T. Ruutu
• J. Tootoo
• T. Zajac
• D. Zubrus
  

D:

• E. Gelinas
• A. Greene
• A. Larsson
• J. Merrill
• J. Moore
• D. Severson
  

G:

• Y. Danis
• K. Kinkaid
• C. Schneider
  

#27: Toronto Maple Leafs

 

It's safe to assume that no one would expect such a drought from an Original Six team, but here we are, sitting in the bottom of the barrel with the most valuable franchise in the NHL. Dealing Kessel is going to hurt in the immediate future, but it is a rebuilding year for the Leafs. Don't expect much.

 

F:

• M. Arcobello
• C. Bailey
• T. Bozak
• P. Holland
• N. Kadri
• K. Kapanen
• L. Komarov
• J. Lupul
• P.A. Parenteau
• N. Spaling
• D. Winnik
• J. Van Riemsdyk
  

D:

• T.J. Brennan
• J. Gardiner
• S. Harrington
• M. Hunwick
• M. Marincin
• D. Phaneuf
• R. Polak
  

G:

• J. Bernier
• J. Reimer
  

#26: Boston Bruins

 

New GM Don Sweeney has made some very questionable moves so far, and I believe it will only come back and haunt him as time goes on. Lucic, Hamilton, Soderberg have all left, their drafting was iffy, and the only positive piece they brought in was Matt Beleskey. I think it'll be a rebuilding year for the B's.

 

F:

• M. Beleskey
• P. Bergeron
• B. Connolly
• L. Eriksson
• J. Hayes
• C. Kelly
• D. Krejci
• B. Marchand
• D. Pastrnak
• Z. Rinaldo
• R. Spooner
• M. Talbot
  

D:

• Z. Chara
• T. Krug
• A. McQuaid
• K. Miller
• D. Seidenberg
• S. Trotman
  

G:

• T. Rask
  

#25: Dallas Stars

 

Dallas has tried in the past few years to build a contending team. However, the moves they've made haven't worked out to their benefit. This year, they ride a goaltending tandem of Lehtonen and Niemi, but I don't think it'll be enough.

 

F:

• J. Benn
• C. Eakin
• P. Eaves
• V. Fiddler
• R. Garbutt
• A. Hemsky
• T. Moen
• V. Nichushkin
• R. Peverley
• A. Roussel
• C. Sceviour
• T. Seguin
• J. Spezza
  

D:

• J. Benn
• T. Daley
• J. Demers
• A. Goligoski
• J. Jokipakka
• J. Klingberg
• P. Nemeth
  

G:

• K. Lehtonen
• A. Niemi
  

#24: Philadelphia Flyers

 

Philly finally managed to get rid of their pest, Zac Rinaldo. They can finally begin to ditch their "thug" image. A new coach at the helm, and hopefully a bit more success to come.

 

F:

• P. Bellemare
• T. Brent
• N. Cousins
• S. Couturier
• S. Gagner
• C. Giroux
• V. Lecavalier
• C. McDonald
• M. Raffl
• M. Read
• B. Schenn
• W. Simmonds
• R.J. Umberger
• C. Vandevelde
• J. Voracek
• R. White
  

D:

• M. Del Zotto
• R. Gudas
• O. Lauridsen
• A. Macdonald
• B. Manning
• L. Schenn
• N. Schultz
• M. Streit
  

G:

• J. Labarbera
• S. Mason
• M. Neuvirth
  

#23: Colorado Avalanche

 

The Avs are in a very similar situation to the Stars: they've tried to build their team for success, but usually end up falling short. This year, they look better equipped, and should be more of a threat.

 

F:

• P. Borderleau
• M. Cliche
• B. Comeau
• M. Duchene
• D. Everberg
• M. Grigorenko
• F. Hamilton
• J. Hishon
• J. Iginla
• G. Landeskog
• N. Mackinnon
• C. McLeod
• J. Mitchell
• B. Rendulic
• C. Soderberg
• A. Tanguay
• J. Winchester
  

D:

• T. Barrie
• F. Beauchemin
• N. Guenin
• N. Holden
• E. Johnson
• Z. Redmond
• D. Siemens
• B. Stuart
• N. Zadorov
  

G:

• R. Berra
• S. Varlamov
  

#22: Columbus Blue Jackets

 

The Blue Jackets, one of the 2 newest expansion teams, has not had much success since the club's inception in 2000. They made the playoffs not even 3 times yet in their short tenure. Landing Brandon Saad is going to be a big help for their push this year.

 

F:

• C. Atkinson
• J. Boll
• R. Bourque
• M. Calvert
• G. Campbell
• D. Clarkson
• B. Dubinsky
• N. Foligno
• S. Hartnell
• B. Jenner
• R. Johansen
• B. Saad
• A. Wennberg
  

D:

• K. Connauton
• J. Faulk
• C. Goloubef
• J. Johnson
• R. Murray
• M. Paliotta
• D. Prout
• J. Ramage
• D. Savard
• F. Tyutin
  

G:

• S. Bobrovsky
• C. McElhinney
  

#21: San Jose Sharks

 

San Jose, for years, has tried to capture some glory. They've kept their core together for quite a while, and it is a strong core, but I question if keeping the core together is the right decision. Regardless, they should be in for a fight for the playoffs this year. If anything, their defensive core will be their saving grace.

 

F:

• M. Brown
• L. Couture
• T. Hertl
• M. Karlsson
• P. Marleau
• M. Nieto
• J. Pavelski
• B. Smith
• J. Thornton
• T. Wingels
  

D:

• J. Braun
• B. Burns
• M. Cundari
• B. Dillon
• P. Martin
• M. Mueller
• M. Vlasic
  

G:

• M. Jones
• A. Stalock
  

#20: Ottawa Senators

 

The Senators last year, to their credit, were the textbook definition of a Cinderella story. They had a miracle season, and did reasonably well in the post season. Seeing that little of their core has changed, they will be back as a bubble team for the playoffs.

 

F:

• A. Chiasson
• C. Greening
• M. Hoffman
• C. Lazar
• C. MacArthur
• M. Michalek
• C. Neil
• J. Pageau
• B. Ryan
• Z. Smith
• M. Stone
• K. Turris
• M. Zibanejad
  

D:

• M. Borowiecki
• C. Ceci
• J. Cowen
• E. Karlsson
• M. Methot
• C. Phillips
• P. Wiercioch
  

G:

• C. Anderson
• A. Hammond
  

#19; Edmonton Oilers

 

Because I really don't know what to expect of the Oilers this year, I'll stick them smack dab in the middle. Yes. McDavid is a big deal. Yes, he's very skilled. But unless Chiarelli can put a decent team around him, I would expect at best the Oilers being a bubble team this year.

 

F:

• J. Eberle
• L. Gazdic
• T. Hall
• M. Hendricks
• R. Klinkhammer
• L. Korpikoski
• A. Lander
• M. Letestu
• C. McDavid
• R. Nugent-Hopkins
• T. Pitlick
• B. Pouliot
• T. Purcell
• N. Yakupov
  

D:

• M. Fayne
• A. Ference
• E. Gryba
• O. Klefbom
• N. Nikitin
• G. Reinhart
• J. Schultz
• A. Sekera
  

G:

• B. Scrivens
• C. Talbot
  

#18: Florida Panthers

 

The Panthers as of late have been an up-and-coming team. Last year's #1 pick, Aaron Ekblad, had a phenomenal rookie campaign, and the Panthers make a lot happen with what little they have. Expect a playoff push in the coming season.

 

F:

• A. Barkov
• N. Bjugstad
• D. Bolland
• J. Huberdeau
• J. Jagr
• J. Jokinen
• D. MacKenzie
• B. Pirri
• M. Savard
• R. Smith
• S. Thornton
  

D:

• B. Campbell
• A. Ekblad
• E. Gudbranson
• S. Kampfer
• D. Kulikov
• W. Mitchell
  

G:

• R. Luongo
• A. Montoya
  

#17: Vancouver Canucks

 

Vancouver has promising signs, but one of the biggest areas of concern is the aging Sedin twins. At 34 apiece, they aren't exactly getting younger. I'd consider Vancouver to be a wild card this season. Forecasting their success is a bit unpredictable.

 

F:

• N. Bonino
• A. Burrows
• D. Dorsett
• J. Hansen
• C. Higgins
• B. Horvat
• R. Kennis
• B. McMillan
• B. Prust
• D. Sedin
• H. Sedin
• L. Vey
• R. Vrbata
  

D:

• M. Bartkowski
• A. Clendening
• F. Corrado
• A. Edler
• D. Hamhuis
• L. Sbisa
• C. Tanev
• Y. Weber
  

G:

• R. Miller
• J. Markstrom
  

#16: Calgary Flames

 

Like Ottawa, you could say that Calgary had a season to remember. They had a terrific season, and a spectacular post season. They've got the tools to go far, but the question is, how far?

 

F:

• M. Backlund
• S. Bennett
• B. Bollig
• L. Bouma
• P. Byron
• J. Colborne
• M. Ferland
• M. Frolik
• J. Gaudreau
• M. Granlund
• D. Grant
• J. Hudler
• D. Jones
• J. Jooris
• S. Monahan
• M. Raymond
• D. Shore
• M. Stajan
  

D:

• T.J. Brodie
• D. Engelland
• M. Giordano
• D. Hamilton
• C. Potter
• K. Russell
• L. Smid
• D. Wideman
• T. Wotherspoon
  

G:

• J. Gillies
• J. Hiller
• K. Ramo
  

#15: Buffalo Sabres

 

If I had to choose between Edmonton and Buffalo, as to who will have the better season, I'd say Buffalo, hands down. They have a new coach in Dan Bylsma, and they have entirely retooled their roster, complete with one Jack Eichel, who will have a phenomenal career thanks to the players put around him.

 

F:

• J. D'Amigo
• N. Deslauriers
• J. Eichel
• M. Ellis
• T. Ennis
• M. Foligno
• B. Gionta
• Z. Girgensons
• P. Kaleta
• E. Kane
• J. Larsson
• D. Legwand
• C. McCormick
• J. McGinn
• M. Moulson
• R. O'Reilly
• P. Varone
  

D:

• Z. Bogosian
• C. Colaiacovo
• M. Donovan
• J. Gorges
• R. Ristolainen
• C. Ruhwedel
• T. Strachan
• M. Weber
  

G:

• M. Hackett
• C. Johnson
• R. Lehner
  

#14: Winnipeg Jets

 

Winnipeg, more than anything, is arguably the most physical team in the NHL. They're bruisers, and use it to their advantage, as seen in their run to the playoffs last season. If they keep up where they are at, they'll make the postseason.

 

F:

• A. Copp
• T.J. Galiardi
• M. Halischuk
• A. Ladd
• B. Little
• A. Lowry
• E. O'Dell
• A. Peluso
• M. Perreault
• M. Scheifele
• D. Stafford
• C. Thorburn
• J. Tlusty
• B. Wheeler
  

D:

• D. Byfuglien
• B. Chiarot
• G. Clitsome
• T. Enstrom
• J. Harrison
• T. Myers
• A. Pardy
• P. Postma
• M. Stuart
• J. Trouba
  

G:

• C. Hellebuyck
• M. Hutchinson
• O. Pavelec
  

#13: Detroit Red Wings

 

The biggest x-factor is the Red Wings' new coach. Blashill had success in Grand Rapids, but I don't know if that translates to the NHL level. Apart from that, a solid roster should help carry them a good way into the playoffs.

 

F:

• J. Abdelkader
• J. Andersson
• D. Cleary
• P. Datsyuk
• L. Ferraro
• J. Franzen
• L. Glendening
• D. Helm
• T. Jurco
• D. Miller
• G. Nyquist
• R. Sheahan
• T. Tatar
• H. Zetterberg
  

D:

• D. Dekeyser
• J. Ericsson
• M. Green
• J. Kindl
• N. Kronwall
• K. Quincey
• B. Smith
• M. Zidlicky
  

G:

• J. Howard
• P. Mrazek
  

#12: Minnesota Wild

 

Minnesota, like Columbus, has not been in the league long. However, Minnesota has had a lot more success than Columbus has, due in part to a quality roster, and a questionable coach in Mike Yeo.

 

F:

• R. Carter
• C. Coyle
• J. Fontaine
• M. Granlund
• E. Haula
• M. Koivu
• N. Niederreiter
• Z. Parise
• J. Pominville
• J. Schroeder
• T. Vanek
• J. Zucker
  

D:

• J. Brodin
• M. Dumba
• C. Folin
• N. Prosser
• M. Reilly
• M. Scandella
• J. Spurgeon
• R. Suter
  

G:

• N. Backstrom
• D. Dubnyk
• D. Kuemper
  

#11: Washington Capitals

 

The Caps' season last year was a bit of a surprise, but then again, when you have Alexander Ovechkin, what do you really expect? They lost Green, Ward, and Brouwer, but made up for it with adding Oshie and Williams. Look for the caps to make another run this year.

 

F:

• N. Backstrom
• J. Beagle
• J. Chimera
• M. Johansson
• E. Kuznetsov
• B. Laich
• M. Latta
• T.J. Oshie
• A. Ovechkin
• J. Williams
• T. Wilson
  

D:

• K. Alzner
• J. Carlson
• M. Niskanen
• B. Orpik
• T. Chorney
  

G:

• B. Holtby
• J. Peters
  

#10: Los Angeles Kings

 

After winning the Cup they year prior, the Kings failed to make the playoffs this past season. They made a few moves that should help, but watch for them to be a bubble team at the least.

 

F:

• A. Andreoff
• D. Brown
• J. Carter
• K. Clifford
• M. Gaborik
• D. King
• A. Kopitar
• T. Lewis
• M. Lucic
• J. Nolan
• T. Pearson
• N. Shore
• J. Stoll
• T. Toffoli
  

D:

• D. Doughty
• M. Greene
• A. Martinez
• J. McBain
• B. McNabb
• J. Muzzin
  

G:

• J. Enroth
• J. Quick
  

#9: Montreal Canadians

 

Montreal has a good team, and a very skilled team. What holds them back is that they play with smaller players, and lack any real physical presence. Typically, it's what holds them back from being a real contender more so than they already are.

 

F:

• J. De La Rosa
• D. Desharnais
• L. Eller
• B. Flynn
• A. Galchenyuk
• B. Gallagher
• Z. Kassian
• T. Mitchell
• M. Pacioretty
• T. Plekanec
• D. Smith-Pelly
• C. Thomas
• D. Weise
  

D:

• M. Barberio
• N. Beaulieu
• A. Emelin
• T. Gilbert
• A. Markov
• G. Pateryn
• J. Petry
• P.K. Subban
  

G:

• C. Price
• D. Tokarski
  

#8: Anaheim Ducks

 

Anaheim always seems to have almost every piece of the puzzle in place, but usually one. They have great skill up front, strong defense, and an all-star caliber group of goaltenders. I can see them doing well again.

 

F:

• S. Horcoff
• H. Zolnierczyk
• A. Cogliano
• R. Getzlaf
• C. Hagelin
• T. Jackman
• R. Kesler
• P. Maroon
• C. Perry
• R. Rakell
• J. Sekac
• J. Silfverberg
• N. Thompson
• C. Wagner
  

D:

• K. Bieksa
• S. Despres
• C. Fowler
• K. Holzer
• H. Lindholm
• C. Stoner
• S. Vatanen
  

G:

• F. Andersen
• J. Gibson
• A. Khudobin
  

#7: New York Rangers

 

Another year, another disappointing exit for the blueshirts. The pieces are always there, but the execution is always missing. Being that they are up against the salary cap, it will be a tougher year for the Rangers, but don't count them out.

 

F:

• R. Bourque
• D. Brassard
• E. Etem
• J. Fast
• B. Gibbons
• T. Glass
• K. Hayes
• C. Kreider
• J.T. Miller
• D. Moore
• R. Nash
• V. Stalberg
• D. Stepan
• M. Zuccarello
  

D:

• D. Boyle
• R. Diaz
  

D. Girardi

• K. Klein
• R. McDonaugh
• M. Staal
• C. Summers
• K. Yandle
  

G:

• H. Lundqvist
• A. Raanta
  

#6: Nashville Predators

 

Another fairly new team, Nashville has managed to build themselves into a legitimate contender in an already tight Central Division. If they can manage to turn up the heat just a little bit more, expect a serious Cup run, possibly all the way to the finals.

 

F:

• V. Arvidsson
• T. Beck
• G. Bourque
• K. Fiala
• M. Fisher
• F. Forsberg
• P. Gaustad
• C. Jarnkrok
• J. Neal
• E. Nystrom
• M. Ribiero
• C. Sissons
• C. Smith
• A. Watson
• C. Wilson
  

D:

• J. Alm
• V. Bartley
• A. Bitetto
• M. Ekholm
• R. Ellis
• B. Jackman
• S. Jones
• R. Josi
• A. Volchenkov
• S. Weber
  

G:

• C. Hutton
• M. Mazanec
• P. Rinne
  

#5: New York Islanders

 

After several years of so-so finishes and performance, the Islanders gave the entire Metropolitan Division a run for their money. Armed with their core still very much intact, the move to the Barclays Center could foreshadow a Stanley Cup victory.

 

F:

• J. Bailey
• C. Cizikas
• C. Clutterbuck
• M. Grabner
• M. Grabovski
• N. Kulemin
• A. Lee
• M. Martin
• B. Nelson
• F. Nielsen
• K. Okposo
• R. Strome
• J. Tavares
  

D:

• J. Boychuk
• T. Hamonic
• T. Hickey
• N. Leddy
• B. Strait
• C. De Haan
  

G:

• T. Greiss
• J. Halak
  

#4: St. Louis Blues

 

Now, before I end up hearing about this, the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins are very much similar. It's even been attributed that the Blues are the Western Conference's Penguins. That being said, these next 2 can be interchangeable in terms. Now...

 

Another great finish for a perennial contender, but another 1st round exit in the hands of the Wild. Overall, a great season, and with a few tweaks, St. Louis can easily make a Cup run.

 

F:

• D. Backes
• P. Berglund
• T. Brouwer
• J. Caron
• M. Goc
• D. Jaskin
• J. Lehtera
• S. Ott
• C. Porter
• R. Reaves
• J. Schwartz
• P. Statsny
• A. Steen
• V. Tarasenko
  

D:

• R. Bortuzzo
• J. Bouwmeester
• C. Butler
• C. Gunnarsson
• P. Harrold
• A. Pietrangelo
• K. Shattenkirk
  

G:

• J. Allen
• B. Elliott
  

#3: Pittsburgh Penguins

 

I'll address the elephant in the room; yes, the Penguins pulled off what will probably be considered the biggest trade of this season, nabbing Phil Kessel and a few other assets for a roster player, prospects, and picks. In all realty, it'll be both a blessing and curse for the Penguins. They got their winger, but they mortgaged their future, and they're stuck in salary cap hell for at least the next 6 years. If this works out, the Penguins will own the best lines in the NHL, the best power play unit, and make a serious run for the Stanley Cup.

 

F:

• B. Bennett
• T. Biggs
• S. Crosby
• P. Dupuis
• P. Hornqvist
• P. Kessel
• C. Kunitz
• E. Malkin
• K. Mouillierat
• D. Perron
• S. Plotnikov
• B. Sutter
• S. Wilson
  

D:

• I. Cole
• B. Dumoulin
• T. Erixon
• K. Letang
• B. Lovejoy
• O. Maatta
• D. Pouliot
• R. Scuderi
  

G:

• M. Fleury
• M. Murray
• J. Zatkoff
  

#2: Tampa Bay Lightning

 

The Bolts are the proverbial "Team of Tomorrow," and they showcased that as runner ups of the Stanley Cup. Young quality talent is in surplus, so if they get it in gear, look for a repeat appearance, if not a victory.

 

F:

• M. Angeldis
• B. Boyle
• J.T. Brown
• R. Callahan
• E. Condra
• J. Drouin
• V. Filppula
• T. Johnson
• A. Killorn
• N. Kucherov
• J. Marchessault
• V. Namestnikov
• O. Palat
• C. Paquette
• S. Stamkos
  

D:

• M. Carle
• B. Coburn
• A. DeAngelo
• J. Garrison
• V. Hedman
• N. Nesterov
• M. Ohlund
• A. Stralman
• A. Sustr
  

G:

• B. Bishop
• K. Gudlevskis
• A. Vasilevskiy
  

 

And finally...

 

#1: Chicago Blackhawks

 

3 time Stanley Cup champs in a period of 6 years, the team is largely intact with all the players they've had in that entire run. The only problem they'll run into is salary cap hell, with Toews and Kane making $10.5 million a year from here on out. They already shipped out Saad, but the team has talent all over the roster. They should be up in the top of the Western Conference once again.

 

F:

• A. Anisimov
• B. Bickell
• D. Carcillo
• M. Dano
• A. Desjardins
• M. Hossa
• P. Kane
• M. Kruger
• J. Morin
• J. Nordstrom
• P. Sharp
• A. Shaw
• T. Teravainen
• J. Toews
• C. Tropp
• K. Versteeg
  

D:

• K. Cumiskey
• N. Hjalmarsson
• D. Keith
• J. Oduya
• M. Rozsival
• D. Rundblad
• B. Seabrooke
• K. Timonen
• T. Van Riemsdyk
  

G:

• C. Crawford
• S. Darling